WOW Hits 2005

NASHVILLE, TN - August 26, 2004 – EMI CMG, in partnership with Word Entertainment and Provident Label Group, announces the Oct. 5 release of WOW Hits 2005, the next acclaimed offering in Christian music’s best-selling series.

Marketed and distributed by EMI CMG, WOW Hits 2005 is the definitive collection of the year’s top Christian artists and hits on double-CD. Spotlighting 31 songs from Pop, Adult Contemporary, Rock and Worship genres, the project features 15 No. 1 singles and an additional 11 Top-10 charting cuts from such acclaimed artists as Steven Curtis Chapman, Audio Adrenaline, newsboys, Third Day, Jars of Clay, tobyMac, Caedmon’s Call, Avalon, Casting Crowns, Matthew West and Todd Agnew, among others (complete listing below).

“WOW Hits 2005 is one of the strongest WOW albums we have released to date,” says David Crace, senior vice president, marketing, EMI CMG. “We know that great songs drive the sale of WOW records and this collection is remarkable. These songs, collectively, are currently generating more than 100 million impressions weekly via Christian radio stations across the country. We are confident that WOW Hits 2005 will be a fan favorite this fall, deliver stronger-than-expected retail sales and play a significant role in industry growth in the New Year.”

WOW Hits 2005 will have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $23.98 and will be available on a two CD set (UPC 724357110600). A companion WOW Hits 2005 DVD will also be available and features 17 of the year’s top Christian music videos from artists such as Third Day, Casting Crowns, Pillar, Selah, Stacie Orrico, Nicole C. Mullen and more. The DVD carries a $14.98 MSRP (UPC 724359965796).

The WOW series boasts four RIAA Certified Double Platinum, nine Platinum and eight Gold albums. With more than 14 million WOW albums sold to date and as one of the most in-demand albums each year, WOW has earned consumer trust as a source for chart-topping Christian radio hits as well as an opportunity to discover new artists and songs.